Readers: Dear Royazali, why wont you update? Its already been a month!
Royazali: Dear Readers, the forces of Evil were out to get me and I had to go into hiding.
Enjoy!
The large entrance hall of Hyrule Castle was unusually silent. Not a single soldier patrolled its halls nor were there any sounds of people going about their daily activities. And why should there be? A dark cloud had descended upon Hyrule, casting everything it shadowed in darkness, stealing the life from the land and causing its inhabitants to hide in fear.
The Links stood outside of the double doors that would lead them to Ganon, the bringer of darkness. Though they had beaten him before, battling him again with the handicaps they held would be tricky.
Ocarina sighed as he checked his equipment once more. They had to win this fight. Not just for Hyrule, but for everyone. If they failed now, there would be no coming back.
Young Link gripped his sword tighter, thinking the same thing. Sure he had all of his equipment, but the others were vulnerable. If something should happen to just one of them, it could spell disaster for the rest…
An uncomfortable aura had fallen over the Links and Brunette didn't like it. Sure, they were at a disadvantage but that had never stopped them before. If so, then why did he feel so nervous…?
Even Knight couldn't help but feel a bit tense. Whether they would lose or be victorious, soon they would know. In the end it all came down to strategy and perhaps a bit of luck. They definitely had luck, he thought, but that wouldn't always save them…
Seasons frowned as he looked at all the grim looks on their faces. Were they out matched? Yes. Did they stand a chance? Maybe. Would they win? Only one way to find out.
The Hero of Winds couldn't help but glance at the others for some sign of hope, determination that they would win. He didn't like what he saw. It was as if they were unsure of the battle's outcome. Sure they weren't at 100% but they would still win! Right?
Twilight shook his head to clear his mind of any doubts. They would win, he'd make sure of that. They were going to go in there, own Ganon, and bring peace back to Hyrule. That's what they did. Who cares if they were at a disadvantage? You can defeat Ganon without a Master Sword. At least, he hoped you could…
All these thoughts and more raced through the Heroes' minds but no matter how much they thought on it, it wouldn't change a thing. Ganon was responsible for bringing darkness to the world and it was their job as Heroes to put an end to it. The fate of Hyrule, whether it be prosperous or filled with despair, was about to be decided.
The Hero of Time turned to face his comrades, "Listen, guys… There's something I want to tell-"
"Save it, will ya?" Brunette glanced at them each in turn before saying, "We all know what's at stake here. Lets just go through those doors and get it over with."
Knight nodded, "Brunette is right. Whether we succeed or fail, at least we'll be together."
"What do you mean, 'fail'?" Twilight gave him a small smile, "We're gunna win this one."
"My, what confidence you have…" Seasons turned to Ocarina, arms folded, "Look, you can save the long pre-battle speech. We know what we have to do so lets go in there and do it."
"Exactly!" Toony smiled broadly, "There's no point in worrying over it! We're Links! We destroy evil, not the other way around. We'll win for sure!"
Young Link nodded, "We may be outmatched, but Ganon is outnumbered. If we stick together I doubt we'll lose. We can do this!"
Ocarina smiled, grateful he had them there. Alone, he would definitely fail, but with them… Dark Link was right. They were stronger as a team. Not necessarily physically stronger but emotionally stronger as well. They would defeat Ganon just like they had before because they were Links, and that's what they did.
"You guys ready then?" he asked them.
Brunette grinned as he readied his sword, "Always ready to kick Ganon's ass."
"Got that right," agreed Twilight, sword in hand.
"Just a sec…" Young Link pulled out a bottle of Chateau Romani and downed it. "Unlimited Magic, best thing for using the Light Arrows, right?"
"Where did you get that?" asked Toony curiously. "I want unlimited magic!"
"Sorry, only had one. I planned to use it against Majora if I needed, but I suppose Ganon is more important at the moment." He smiled, "Its nice being prepared, isn't it?"
"What else do you have?" asked Seasons. "In case we need it."
"Well… Veran used up the other bottle of milk that I had and the Red Potion." He thought a moment. "I guess that just leaves two fairies and another Red Potion."
"Hopefully, we wont have to use them." Knight turned to their leader, Ocarina. "We're ready when you are."
"Right."
After a small pause, the Hero of Time stepped forward and opened the double doors leading to the boss chamber.
As soon as the doors were opened, a large wave of dark energy sailed through the opening, hitting Ocarina, and causing him to fly backwards landing on the floor.
"Ocarina! You okay?-!"
A cold enthused laugh could be heard coming from the Throne Room followed by a familiar voice, "To think you would actually fall for such a cheap trick! I see your common sense hasn't improved…"
"Cheap is right…" Ocarina shook his head and stood up. That attack had really stung. Was Ganon always this powerful or was this a result of the Triforce's power?
Twilight glared at Ganon, "You'll pay for that!"
Ganondorf simply grinned in response, "Oh, I'm sure I will… Come, wont you enter my Throne Room? We have much to discuss, I'm sure…"
The Links looked at each other warily. Just where was Ganon going with this? Having no other option, the Links filed into the Throne Room. Like previous boss fights, as soon as they entered the chamber the doors closed, sealing off their exit.
Once the Links were trapped, Ganon turned and seated himself on the throne, "Tell me, Heroes, how do you like my castle?"
"Its retarded," replied Young Link.
"I see…" Ganon grinned in amusement. "And how did you enjoy being possessed by my servant, Veran? Was that retarded as well?"
Young Link remained silent. Being possessed had been a horrifying experience, one he didn't want to talk about.
"And what of the rest of you?" he asked them. "How are you faring in this new Hyrule?"
Seasons folded his arms in annoyance, "Retardedly of course. Now enough with this chit chat. You know why we're here. Stop delaying the inevitable."
Ganon sighed, "I was only trying to help prolong your life through idle chatter."
"Help?" Brunette scoffed, "If you want to 'help' us then keel over and die already!"
"Or at least give up," added Toony. "It'd also be nice if you could tell us where Zelda is."
The Links shared an awkward silence. They still couldn't get over the fact that they had forgotten about her.
Ganondorf shook his head sadly. "You poor fools. You still haven't realized it yet, have you?"
"Realized what yet?" asked Twilight.
The evil Lord of Darkness grinned as he stood to face them, "That there is no way you can win against me."
Ocarina tried to ignore his rising fear as Ganon stared down at them, full of determination. The Dark Lord knew he had the advantage and he used that knowledge to intimidate the Links. Nevertheless, that was not going to stop the Heroes from trying.
"And what makes you so sure of victory, Ganondorf?" Knight held his Master Sword steady as he said, "As far as I can tell, though you have the Triforce, we are still evenly matched. You may have the Power to defeat us, but we have the Courage to stand up against you for what is right. This battle wont go as smoothly as you think…"
"Is that a challenge?"
Knight looked up at the Dark Lord seriously, "You bet your ass it is."
Taking Knight's lead, Ocarina stepped forward, saying, "Ganondorf, you may have gotten the better of us in the past, but no more. You're evil reign ends today!"
The Prince of Darkness regarded them with an air of boredom. He was done conversing. It was now time to end the Heroes' pathetic lives. "Very well then. If you think you can best me, so be it." The King of Evil brought forth his duel blades, "Let us see you try!"
Toony was the first to attack. The Hero of Winds rushed forward sword drawn. He may have been caught off guard last time but this Ganon he knew how to beat.
As soon as he got within striking distance, Toony swung with his blade only to be blocked by one of Ganon's swords. As the Dark Lord brought down his other weapon, Toony raised his shield to defend himself. The two combatants were locked in a power struggle and neither were giving in. Slowly however, Ganon began to acquire the upper hand.
Taking that as his cue to strike, Ocarina rushed forward to help.
Unfortunately for him, he was too late.
Ganondorf managed to knock Toony off balance, kicking him away. The small Link sailed through the air where he connected with Ocarina who stumbled backwards onto the floor.
Ganondorf laughed mirthfully as they landed in a heap, "Is that the best you can do? Come now, charge me all at once if you must! I welcome the challenge!"
"Hmph, if it's a challenge you want, then it's a challenge you'll get!" yelled Twilight.
Ocarina stumbled to his feet as Twilight charged Ganon head on. "No, don't-"
Right before the Twilit Hero got within range, Ganondorf fired off a large energy sphere, catching the Link off guard.
The Hero of Time winced as Twilight took a direct hit, "Too late…"
The Links raised their shields as Ganon continued to fire off multiple spheres throughout the room.
Brunette turned to Knight, forming a plan, "You ready?"
He nodded, "Best try something."
"Right."
As the barrage ended, the two Links charged forward. Brunette attacked Ganon head on, dodging a blow from one sword and locking blades with the other. While the fiend was busy with Brunette, Knight attacked from behind trying to catch the boss off guard.
Ganondorf grinned knowingly, "Heh, think again."
"What?-!" Knight stopped himself in mid attack as Ganon disappeared from view.
"The hell?-! I thought he could only do that in his beast form?" Brunette took a step back as he scanned the room. "Where'd he go?"
"Seasons, behind you!" yelled Young Link. The young Hero of Time fired off a Light Arrow, barely missing Seasons, and hitting Ganon straight in the chest as he appeared behind Holodrum's Hero.
Not wasting a perfect opportunity, Seasons spun with his sword, unleashing a quick spin attack and the first blow against their enemy. His victory was short lived however, as Ganon recovered and knocked Seasons back with a spinning kick to the abdomen.
"Seasons!"
As the Hero of Labrynna sailed by, Ocarina charged forward.
"Heh, think you will do any better?" mocked Ganondorf. "Do your worst!"
Ocarina struck with a jumping strike, locking blows with the demon, refusing to let up. He grit his teeth angrily as he struggled to gain the upper hand. Ganon had indeed become much more powerful, but if they stuck together-
"Ocarina, look out!" Twilight rushed to his side as Ganon's second sword came down, intending to harm the Hero of Time.
"Th-Thanks…"
"Guys, move it!" yelled Young Link as he fired off another Light Arrow.
Twilight and Ocarina side stepped as the Arrow flew in their direction. Before the projectile could hit, Ganon quickly teleported to safety.
"Damn! Can't you aim that thing any better?-!" complained Brunette.
"I don't see you doing anything!" he yelled back.
"Knock it off you guys! We have to work together!" Toony scanned the room anxiously. Any minute that fiend would appear and attack. But where was he going to-
"Toony, get down!" Knight pushed the small Link out of the way as a large energy sphere sailed by. "It looks like he's playing this round safe. We'll have to be more creative if we want to win this fight."
"Where did that sphere come from anyway?" asked Seasons who had recovered from Ganon's previous attack. "Popping up only to fire off cheap attacks… What a coward."
"Luckily for him, he doesn't have the Triforce of Courage…" grumbled Twilight. "He's got to be here somewhere, waiting for us to blender…"
"Did you seriously just say 'blender'?" asked Brunette flatly.
"Well yeah, why not?"
"Its blunder you idiot! Not 'blender'! What the hell is a blender anyway?"
"Will you guys stay focused?-!" Ocarina scanned the room carefully. Where could he have gone?
Suddenly the ground began to shake violently. The Links did their best to maintain their balance as they looked around confused.
"What the hell is going on?-!" yelled Brunette angrily. "Nothing makes sense!"
Toony had fallen down and was trying to get back up as he stammered, "I-I think he's m-mad at us, guys!"
"More like he's toying with us…" mumbled Ocarina annoyed. "Ganondorf! Show yourself already! Enough of these tricks!"
"So be it…"
The Hero of Time quickly spun with his sword as Ganon appeared behind him. The Dark Lord simply dodged out of the way, preparing for an attack of his own.
"I don't think so!" Toony dashed forward and used a Spin Attack.
The King of Evil stumbled back as Toony's attack made a direct hit. "Geh! Why you-!"
His words were cut off as Young Link made another hit with his bow. The magic infused arrow stunned him for a second only but that was all the Links needed to retaliate.
Knight quickly rushed forward, impaling the Dark Lord from behind while Brunette attacked from the front. Unable to escape, Ganondorf could do nothing to dodge Twilight and Ocarina's blows from either side. The four Heroes had Ganon pinned and as they backed off, Seasons dashed forward administering a final blow.
Young Link grinned in triumph, "Way to go, guys!"
"This fight isn't over yet…"
Ganon stood before them with a slight grin on his face. His expression wasn't one of pain but of amusement. "So it seems you do have some fight in you, as is expected. But you will have to do far better than that to beat me."
"The hell? All that and he's not even fazed?-!" Brunette shook his head. "This is not right."
"Nothing has been right in this fight since it first started…" Seasons looked down at his sword. The thing had barely done any damage on the boss. Could he really keep fighting with a useless blade?
Knight braced himself as Ganon begun preparing for his next attack. "All we can do is keep fighting and hope for victory."
Ocarina nodded. They had come this far, surely they could see this to its end…
Ganondorf continued to grin as he said, "Let us step this fight up shall we?"
Twilight frowned, "How 'bout we dont?"
"Heh heh… Allow me to reintroduce you to my second form! Behold!"
As Ganon began transforming into his beast form, Seasons sighed, "Wasn't that the exact same speech he used last time?"
Toony thought a moment, "I think so… Something like that, yeah."
"Real original, Ganon…" said Young Link flatly.
As the conversation ended so did Round 1. Ganondorf, now Ganon, was ready to strike back. Following his strategy from before, the Prince of Darkness disappeared, firing off several fireballs from his invisible position. But unlike last time, these actually did damage.
"Gwahahaha! Say hello to my little friends!" yelled Ganon as several Fire Keese were summoned.
Brunette groaned, "Oh you have got to be kidding me…"
Ocarina turned to Brunette, shielding himself from a flying fireball, "What's going on, Brunette? I don't remember Ganon using Keese in this form!"
"And my Ganon couldn't teleport or use earth attacks and yet he did!" complained Toony as he ran from a horde of Keese.
Knight frowned as he searched the Throne Room for their nemesis. "Ganon seems to be pulling tricks from all of his separate forms. This is most likely do to the Triforce's power… We should be prepared for anything."
Seasons killed off the Keese plaguing Toony and stared at Knight grimly, going over his words. Ganon was more powerful, that much was obvious. But him using multiple moves outside of the norm? It made him dread when Ganon transformed into the beast he knew.
"Prepared for anything, huh?" Twilight grinned as their foe finally revealed himself. "Plan this!"
The Twilit Hero dashed forward, hoping to strike the demon before he vanished again. Twilight's sword made a direct hit, lodging its blade into the beast's thick hide.
But Ganon was far from fazed.
Without even the slightest flinch, the beast removed the sword, wrenching it out of the Link's grasp, and sliced through the Hero's shoulder in one swift motion. As Twilight tried to back off, Ganon threw the sword at him, disappearing as he did so.
"Twilight!" Brunette quickly fired off his boomerang, connecting with the sword and knocking it off its trajectory.
Twilight nodded a quick thanks, clutching his wound in slight pain. He was lucky he had dodged in time. That slice was meant for his head…
"You okay?" asked Young Link.
"Yeah," He picked up his sword, switching to his right hand. "I'll be- Brunette!"
"Wha?"
The brunette Hero hit brick as he was attacked by a fireball from behind.
Ocarina shook his head. This was not working. How did they beat this form again? Slice and Shoot…? "Young Link! Get ready to use your bow, I have an idea."
"You got it!"
"Your planning will not work!" boasted Ganon as he appeared beside Knight attacking him from behind. The Hyrulian knight was knocked forward where he connected with Seasons who stumbled backward onto the floor.
"That's what you think, Ganon! Deku Nut!" While the tiny seed stunned Ganon, Ocarina rushed forward and used a quick slice followed by a stab. "Young Link, now!"
"Eat this!" yelled Young Link as he fired off a Light Arrow.
The dark beast recoiled, taking actual damage for the first time. "D-Damn you and those accursed…Light Arrows! Enough!" The demon straightened up, summoning his dark powers, "I shall put a blotch on that light of yours!"
"If memory serves correctly, he should be transforming into his third form…" Knight stumbled to his feet and steadied his sword. This was his Ganon and as such he should be ready.
A long Trident now appeared in Ganon's hand and his appearance had become more beastly. Taking a quote from their last adventure: Twirling his trident like a football cheerleader twirls a baton, Ganon summoned several Fire Keese to spread out and attack the Links.
Toony groaned as he was bombarded, yet again, with several Keese, "Oh come on! Enough already!"
"Hold still, will ya?" yelled Brunette as he tried to help him. He had manage to dispose most of the Keese when Ganon simply summoned more. "Damn it!"
"I'll put a stop to them!"
Twilight attacked Ganon head on. The evil fiend simply grinned and swung his trident, hitting Twilight upside the head sending him flying.
"Twilight! Are you-"
"Not so fast!"
Before Seasons could help Twilight, he was attacked by Ganon's flying Trident. The weapon caught the Link off guard and he took a direct hit.
Young Link grit his teeth in anger as he fired off a Light Arrow, "Knight, get him!"
With a nod, Knight rushed forward to face the boss. The Heroic Link ducked a swing from the Trident and swung with an upward slice. Ganon took a step back but still Knight kept attacking. Finally, the dark demon managed a hit, halting Knight's progress.
"Get them off!" complained Toony as he used a Spin Attack to destroy the Keese. His poor tunic was singed beyond repair and his hat had long burned up. He glared at Ganon with revenge in his eyes, "This outfit was given to me by my grandma, you jerk! Prepare for some butt kicking!"
Brunette simply groaned. "Hey- What the-" The first Link frowned in annoyance as the Keese started bothering him. "Die already!"
Ganon laughed, "Not doing so well now, are you?" He turned his attention to Young Link, "And now to deal with those pesky arrows…"
Ocarina's eyes widened. If something were to happen to Young Link they would lose the arrows and that was not something they could afford to lose. As the Hero of Time moved to defend his friend, Ganon stomped the ground creating a shockwave which paralyzed the Links.
Seasons cringed as his limbs refused to move. This fight was definitely not going the way it should. Twilight was either dead or playing dead, Brunette was busy with Keese, Knight was trying not to be a victim of 'Whack a Link', while the two Heroes of Time were stunned. And Toony- Wait… Where was Toony?
The small Link had snuck up behind the King of Darkness ready to strike. Unfortunately for him, Ganon had used a shockwave which had stunned all the Links in the room. Ganon, spotting the Hero of Winds, had struck the small Link hard across the chest, sending him flying into the far wall.
"And now for you!" Ganondorf conjured a large sphere of dark energy intending to use it on Young Link.
The young Hero of Time, stunned by the aftershock of Ganon's attack, could do nothing as the sphere sailed straight for him.
"Young Link!"
Ocarina watched in horror as Young Link took a direct hit. As soon as he could move again, he rushed to his side to see if he was okay. "Young Link, are you- You okay?"
He managed a weak smile as he tried to sit up, "S-Sure…"
Suddenly the room was enveloped in darkness. From somewhere to his right, Ocarina could hear the sound of metal on metal and then the quick scream of Seasons in pain followed by cold laughter.
"This is not good…" Thinking to shed some light on their situation, Knight brought out his lantern. He took a step back as Ganon appeared before him unexpectedly.
"You dare bring light into my lair?-! Now you die!"
"Knight, no!"
Knight dropped the lantern to reach for his shield as Ganon attacked. The small lamp crashed to floor and all returned to darkness.
Ocarina took a few steps forward anxiously as the sound of battle died. "Knight? Seasons? Guys…?"
There was no reply.
Frantically the Hero of Time tried to recall the status of his friends. Twilight had been hit, he remembered that, then Brunette, Toony. He didn't know if Seasons was out or not and Young Link was down. Knight… Was he the only one left…?
Regardless, I can't do anything if I can't see…
Ocarina got out Din's Fire in the hopes that it would help. Not wasting a moment, he activated its magic, illuminating the room, and getting his first glimpse at the chaos Ganon had unleashed.
All of his friends were down; luckily none were hurt too badly, or so he hoped. "Guys…"
"And then there was one…"
As the darkness lifted, the dark lord Ganon showed himself. He grinned with satisfaction as he lifted his weapon. "In the end, I always knew it would come down to you, Hero of Time. That is why I saved you for last."
Ocarina readied his sword. Ganon may have gotten the better of the others, but he wouldn't have his way with him. He would make sure of that. "You'll pay for what you've done, Ganondorf."
"So I've heard."
"Prepare yourself!"
The Hero of Time charged forward to face Ganon head on. The evil fiend held up his weapon, blocking his blow. As the two combatants squared off against each other, Ganon began conjuring more Fire Keese.
Ocarina jumped back to defend himself from the horde, making sure to keep an eye on the main foe. He was sure these enemies were just a distraction as Ganon prepared his real attack. Once the last Keese fell, Ganon unleashed another dark sphere, the same as the one he had used on Young Link.
"Not happening!" Ocarina quickly rolled out of the way to dodge the attack and ended up getting hit by a fire ball from behind. He quickly got to his feet as Ganon charged for a final blow.
Ocarina blocked his blow with his sword."You can't win, Ganondorf!" yelled the Hero of Time fiercely, mustering his courage. "You've never won and you never will!"
"Oh, I would say I have won, boy. The state of Hyrule is irrefutable proof!"
Ocarina grinned, "You're wrong. You see, Ganon, as long as there is a sword in my hand and a hat on my head, I will continue to fight and to win. As long as I'm together with my friends nothing can stop me!"
"Then allow me to rid you of such things!" he bellowed.
Ganon quickly teleported, returning the room to darkness once more. Ocarina stood ready, awaiting the fiend's next attack. From somewhere to his right he could see something rushing towards him, illuminating the darkness.
Fireball…
Ocarina side stepped the flaming projectile by inches as a Keese flew at him from his left. He quickly jumped out of the way to avoid being burned landing on the ground right as Ganon used another earthquake attack.
Ocarina flinched, frozen to the spot, "N-Not this again…"
"Now to end this!"
The darkness slowly ebbed away, revealing a charging Ganondorf bent on destroying the Hero. He held his Trident aloft, ready to impale the Link and end this struggle once and for all.
No thoughts raced through Ocarina's mind as he realized he was powerless to stop him. His mind was a complete blank as he was unable to comprehend what was about to happen. Defeat? No. Never. The Hero's eyes widened as Ganon drew closer. It just wasn't possible. It-
"This is the end!" yelled Ganon euphorically.
"Not on my watch."
Slowly, Brunette looked up from his position on the floor and stared in complete confusion at the two combatants. As Ganon charged straight for Ocarina, the Hero's shadow seemed to materialize, gaining shape, and shielding the Link from the Dark Lord's attack. Ganon continued forward, impaling the shadow which had by now taken a definite form.
The Hero of Time stared at the scene before him in complete shock and although Ganon's earthquaker attack had worn off, the Hero couldn't get himself to move. "D-Dark Link…?"
Dark Link glanced back at him, blood trickling from the corner of his grim smile as Ganondorf's Trident pierced his flesh.
Ganon too, was in slight shock. He had been sure of his victory. He had had the Hero of Time in his sights. Now it seems his past creation had once again come back to hinder him. The evil fiend's face twisted in a demonic sneer. At least the Dark Hero wouldn't be a nuisance anymore. Ganon pulled back, removing his weapon, allowing the Link to slip to the floor.
Ocarina immediately went to his fallen comrade's side, still a little confused as to what had happened. "Dark Lin- Dark… What-What happened? Why did you-"
Dark Link coughed, little flecks of blood staining his tunic but it didn't matter. The entirety of his tunic was already covered in blood from the wound Ganon had given him. "I knew…leaving you in charge…was…a bad idea…."
"But Dark, why?-! You didn't have to do this!" Ocarina shook his head angrily, unable to understand his friend's actions.
Ganondorf grinned, his words dripping with sarcasm as he said, "The tool knew to fight me was futile and so he gave his life to save yours. How touching."
Dark Link ignored him as he turned to Ocarina. He didn't have much time and he needed to know the Hero was ready to commit to this challenge. "Listen, Ocarina…you can do this… Gather your forces and destroy Ganon."
"But-" Ocarina looked around at his surroundings. All the Links had been beaten, Dark was dying, Ganon had won. How could they possible still be victorious?
"Do you remember…the seventeenth Link?" asked Dark. "His name was…Shadow."
"Shadow?"
Dark Link nodded, "He turned against Ganon and tried to help the four. Because of this-"
"Shadow?" Ganon let out a small laugh. "That little tool? He was doomed from the start. He betrayed me, much as you have, and the price for betrayal is nothing but death. Something, I am sure, you are aware of."
So Shadow was this seventeenth Link Dark wouldn't tell him about? But why was he even telling him this? Especially now when-
"You have to defeat Ganon," urged Dark Link, already his vision was failing. It wasn't as if he had never died before. Death was easy. It was what came after that frightened him. "Avenge Shadow. It was only because of him…that you are here today…
"What are you talking about?" asked Ganon questioningly. "I destroyed that whelp years ago!"
"Heh, but his technique lives on. Shadow taught me the art of shadow hopping. You didn't really think I had left, did you?" he asked Ocarina.
His eyes widened, "So…you were there with us the entire time…?"
Dark Link closed his eyes, an amused smile on his face. "Not like I could leave everything to you morons…" The pain was now gone, replaced by a feeling of emptiness. He knew the feeling; his time was up. As Dark Link began to fade into darkness he said, "You've been given a second chance, Ocarina… Don't…waste it…"
Ocarina stared down at where his friend at been only moments earlier. Dark Link had sacrificed himself for them so that they may continue fighting. But was there any fight still left in them? Dark certainly thought so. Ocarina smiled softly thinking of his friend. And when had Dark ever been wrong?
Ganon begun to laugh, slow at first and then breaking out into an all out maniacal cackle.
"What's so funny, Ganon-dork?" called Brunette. He stood by Ocarina's side as he glared at the villain, "You haven't won yet."
"Brunette…"
Brunette gave the Hero a grin, "So I took a nap. You managed to live, right?"
Ocarina nodded, "Yeah."
"But only at the cost of another…" Knight joined them, looking grim. His hat was gone and fresh blood could be seen trailing from a head injury. "We will not let his sacrifice be in vain…"
"Knight, are you o-"
"I'm fine."
"I didn't like the guy but now, jeez, I have to…" Twilight massaged his aching head as he joined the others. "We still trying to take the pig down?"
"Yes, no thanks to you." Seasons stared at Ganon with an unenthused expression on his face. "He still has two more forms, doesn't he?"
"Y-Yeah…" Toony stumbled over to the group, still hurt from Ganon's last attack. "But we can do this. For Dark and for Shadow too!"
Young Link nodded, the last of the Links to recover from the King of Evil's previous attacks. "After all, we're not beat yet. A little bruised," he added, "but not beat."
Suddenly Ganon's laughter subsided. He held his weapon loosely, Dark's blood glistening on its prongs. "You wish to know what is so amusing? Heh, I will tell you… The fact that you still think you have a chance of defeating me is so ridiculous that I must question your sanity."
"We do still have a chance!" yelled Toony defiantly.
Ganon silenced him with a cold stare, "Hmph, fine then. If you pathetic Heroes think you have a chance… Lets see you prove it." The evil fiend gripped his weapon tight, ready to unleash his store of power. They thought they would win? Well he would crush those thoughts.
Seasons' pulse began to quicken as he recognized the stance Ganon had slipped into. The Dark Lord was serious, alright. Last time Ganon had used this stance he-
"Seasons, look out!" cried Ocarina.
The Hero of Holodrum sighed, "Why am I always the first one to get attac-"
The rest of the Links cringed as Ganon went full force on Labyrnna's Hero. With one swift swing, Ganon had knocked the Link clear across the room with his Trident pausing only to send a fiery sphere sailing after him.
Seasons hit the floor, was engulfed by the flames and remained there motionless.
"Um, I'm no doctor but I'd say Seasons is out for this Round."
"Twilight, this is no time for jokes!"
"R-Right…"
Young Link tried to fire off a Light Arrow but missed as Ganon simply teleported to safety. "Not this trick again…"
"Remember what Seasons told us last time. Use a Spin Attack," informed Knight.
Ocarina nodded. Seasons may have been out but he was still with them. Now all they had to do was wait for Ganon to appear…
"Found ya!" Young Link fired off yet another Light Arrow as the fiend appeared.
Once the demon was stunned, Brunette and Twilight rushed forward and used a Spin Attack. The boss quickly teleported once again, leaving the Links to wait for his next appearance.
"So he's got the teleportation thing down. What else did this form do again?" Brunette ducked as multiple fire balls hailed down on the Links. "Never mind, I remember now…"
The young Hero of Winds began charging up a Great Spin in preparation for Ganon's next appearance. Once the boss was revealed, he unleashed his attack. "Time to pay, Ganon-dork!"
"Think again!"
Suddenly the room was immersed in a bright blue light. All the Links groaned, thinking of the last time this had happened. Luckily for them, it didn't last as long as back then.
Knight blinked as the bright light dissipated, "Well, that certainly was lucky…"
"Twilight, move it!" Brunette pushed Twilight out of the way as Ganon struck with his Trident. The weapon had missed its initial target but it still pierced the Hero, wounding his right shoulder.
"Damn, Brunette, you alright?"
The original Hero glared up at him, gritting his teeth against the pain, "I just got stabbed you moron! Do you think I'm alright?-!"
"You're resilient."
Brunette rolled his eyes out of annoyance.
Sensing their lack of focus, Ganon aimed to attack them once again only to be foiled when the Hero of Time attacked with a Spin Attack of his own. Not one to waste a perfect opportunity, Knight attack as well, adding his own attacks to the mix.
The Dark Lord quickly spun around, swinging his lance and catching the Links off guard. Both were flung back as the demon begun charging up his next spell, a large fire ball meant to destroy them once and for all.
"Tough luck, Ganon. Try next time!" Young Link went to fire off an arrow right as the fiend's spell was complete. The small projectile was completely engulfed by the fireball as it sailed toward the Links.
"Deku Leaf!" Toony grinned as the gust created from the leaf knocked the projectile back to its owner. His grin however, faded as Ganon volleyed it back by hitting it with his Trident. "Not good!"
"Hmph!" Twilight threw his Gale Boomerang, once again knocking the large sphere off its course. The fireball sailed through the air where it eventually collided with the wall exploding in a brilliant burst of flame.
Young Link grinned, "Nice one you guys!"
"Don't think that was the last!" growled Ganon angrily. The evil prince of darkness twirled his weapon creating multiple fireballs that sailed off in various directions causing the Links to go on the offensive. Afterwards he disappeared once again.
"Ocarina, this is getting us no where!" complained Brunette.
"I've got an idea."
"Knight?"
"I'll use my Ice Rod to keep him in place. Young Link, back me up with this."
He nodded.
"Once we have him still, you four rush him and we'll end this."
Ocarina grinned, "Great thinking, Knight! We totally owe you."
Knight smiled mischievously, "Oh I know. You have to do as I say for a whole week, remember?"
They all sighed, "Don't remind me…"
"In any case, Young Link, fire off one of your arrows to stun him."
"One stunned Ganon, coming up!" Young Link knocked an arrow and waited for the beast to appear. Once he became visible, the young Hero fired.
Knight brought out his Ice Rod as Young Link's arrow connected. He may not of had unlimited magic but he had enough for this. Knight swung the weapon creating a jet of ice which sailed for its target. Ganon's legs froze to the ground, halting his movements.
"Now!"
As Twilight, Brunette, and Ocarina charged forward to attack, Toony charged up his Master Sword, getting ready for a Great Spin. Once the three older Links had unleashed their attacks, Toony moved forward and dealt his own method of hurt.
Ganon stumbled back, now free of the ice and slipped to one knee. These Links were certainly more trouble than they were worth. He was sure of victory but if he allowed this battle to go on like this for much longer…
Toony grinned, "Almost done guys!"
"You…think…so?" asked Ganon slowly, getting to his feet. His expression was blank as he grasped his Trident, another forming in his other hand. The dark beast Ganon drew up to his full height, towering over the Heroes, a tail swishing behind him. "If you believe this to be the end then so shall it be. Let us end this continuous struggle between ourselves once and for all…"
Ocarina took a steady breath to calm himself. This was it. The Great King of evil had transformed into his final form. Last time he had nearly annihilated the Links. If it had not been for Twilight and Young Link, they would have failed. Now, more than ever, those Light Arrows would come in handy.
Young Link went to fire an arrow when the beast's tail whipped around, knocking him off his feet. Ganon moved forward to finish him off with is trident only to be blocked by Twilight.
"Think again, pig face!"
"Left!" shouted Toony as Ganon swung with his other weapon.
Ocarina managed to block the second attack just in time. "We gotta be careful, guys. This is-"
"The hell?-!" Brunette held up his shield as a Fire Keese dove for him. "Where did this thing come from?-!"
Toony ducked as a fireball flew his way, "Ganon's pulling out all the stops this time!"
"Thanks, Captain Obvious!"
"You're-"
"That's not a compliment!" yelled Brunette.
As Ganon shifted his focus to the arguing Links, Ocarina side stepped behind him and swiped his weak spot: His tail. The demon roared in pain and sent a quick fireball in his direction. The Hero of Time brought up his shield to block the blow only to be caught off guard as the boss threw one of his weapons at him.
"Ocarina!" Toony begun rushing to his friend's side just as Ganon swung with his other trident hitting the Link square in the back and knocking him off balance causing him to fall to the ground in pain. Toony groaned as he face planted, "Oh ow…"
Knight grit his teeth angrily as his friends fell around him, unable to do anything. A swarm of Keese were plaguing the Link and they wouldn't let up. He swung with his blade, destroying a few, making sure to keep his focus on the main enemy at all times.
Ganon had managed to knock back both Ocarina and Toony and was trying to advance on Twilight and Young Link. The Twilit Hero was putting up a good fight to be sure, but he was no match against Ganon, at least not without the Master Sword.
Brunette turned to Knight after dodging yet another Keese, "Hey, Knight, use that Ice Rod thing again. Lets finish this!"
Knight took a step back as another Keese fell, "I can't."
"Why not?-!"
"Because I'm out of magic."
"What?-!"
"Knight, Brunette, look out!" warned Ocarina as he dodged an incoming Fireball.
Knight looked up to notice that the evil fiend was missing. Had he teleported? Was he- Knight gasped as he realized where the demon was. "Brunette!"
The first Link was pushed aside as Knight knocked him out of harms way. Ganon brought down his weapon just as he appeared, missing Brunette, but he was not his initial target. He wanted the Ice Rod wielding menace out of the way.
Knight cried out in pain as Ganon's weapon slashed him cleaned across the back, cutting through his tunic allowing crimson blood to stain the material. The Link fell to his knees, overcome by the pain that took him.
"Knight!"
"Yah!" Young Link let loose an arrow, missing the fiend as he teleported. "Damn him!"
"Knight, you okay?-!" Brunette kneeled by his side worriedly. The wound looked bad but knowing Knight, he would just grin and bear it.
"Y-Yeah…" Knight stood up, trying to ignore the pain. The wound wasn't that deep, or at least, that's what he kept telling himself. "We have to defeat him, and quickly…"
"You got that right."
Toony took a step back, dodging a blow from Ganon, as Ocarina and Twilight worked their way to the tail. Once the beast figured this out however, he quickly summoned more Keese to deal with them.
"Get a new tactic, Ganondorf!" yelled Toony as he dispatched them with his Boomerang.
"Light Arrow!"
The dark Lord froze as the projectile hit, allowing Ocarina and Twilight to continue their previous attack. Once the initial blows had been dealt however, Ganon had had enough. This fight ended. Now.
Calling upon the power of the Triforce, Ganon swung his two weapons, knocking out both Twilight and Ocarina at the same time. The two Links fell back as Ganon hit them full force.
"Twilight! Ocarina!" Toony charged the boss head on thinking to avenge his friends. "You'll pay for that!"
"Enough!" The Great King of Evil shot a quick energy sphere in Toony's direction, catching him off guard. The small Link was sent sailing where he connected with the opposite wall where he collapsed to the floor, stunned.
"That's it! Time for you to go down!" Young Link switched to his sword, fed up with being in the back row. All his friends had fought and now it was his turn. He charged the beast head on, rolling between his legs, aiming for his tail. The young Hero managed to score a direct hit before Ganon whipped around, both tridents raised.
"Young Link, no!" Twilight quickly transformed into a wolf, using his extra speed to stop Ganondorf's attack.
Ganon, sensing Twilight's approach, turned his attack on the wolf instead. As Twilight jumped to try and get in a hit, Ganon slashed with his weapon making a clean blow upon the wolf. The large lupine let out a painful whine before falling to the floor in a heap.
"Twilight, you idiot!" yelled Brunette angrily as he rushed to his side.
"Brunette, don't-" warned Knight, but it was too late.
Ganon released his weapon, throwing it at both of the older Links. Brunette and Knight took a direct hit and were knocked back into the far fall where they both fell, neither getting back up.
Ocarina couldn't believe it. First Toony then Twilight, now Brunette and Knight? Of course Seasons clocked out a long time ago. But as bad as it was, it was about to get worse…
Ganon plunged his trident into the ground, creating another shockwave, freezing the Links to the spot. It was then, when they were all at his mercy, that he made his decision. The older Links were done for, they held no challenge. The young pup was already at death's door and the one he had clobbered earlier wasn't worth the trouble. The Hero of Winds would be a good target but he was too far. The Hero of Time also was too far for a good finish, but his young counter part wasn't. The Dark Lord sneered down at the young Link easily within reach. If he couldn't have the true Hero of Time, he would settle for the next best thing.
Taking Trident in hand, Ganondorf thrust forward with all his might, impaling the small Link straight threw the chest. A sick grin crossed Ganon's face as he withdrew his weapon, watching the young Hero slip to the floor slowly, clutching his wound in pain and shock.
Ocarina's eyes widened as Young Link hit the ground, fresh blood pooling out from his limp form. First Dark, now Young Link…? It wasn't possible… It just wasn't possible! "Y-Young Link!" he cried desperately, hoping beyond hope that his young friend was alright even though he knew no one could be alright after an attack like that. "Young Link!"
"Gwuhahahahaha!" laughed Ganon in that cold voice that the Links knew so well. Finally, after years of failure, finally he was victorious. All were at his mercy and no one could defeat him. Hyrule…was his.
"No… No, I refuse to believe it!" Ocarina faced Ganon, angry tears sliding down his cheeks. He had already lost his friends once, he was not going to lose them again. "Prepare to die, you fiend!" he yelled.
"Heh." Ganon turned his back on Young Link to face the Hero of Time with an amused expression. "Still clinging to hope, I see. Very well then, charge me. Let us end this fight!"
Ocarina rushed forward, dodged a blow from one of the boss' blades, and slashed at his tail furiously. This demon had already destroyed so much in this world. It was time for some retribution.
While Ganon was busy with the Hero of Time, Toony had made his way to Young Link's side. The Link was gravely injured, with fresh blood glistening in a pool around him. Instantly, the Hero of Winds began tearing up. This was not supposed to happen! Why had he let this happen?-! He lowered his head sadly, "Young Link, I'm so sorry…!"
"...T-Toony…"
The small Link lifted his head slowly, "Huh…? Young Link? You're alive!"
Knowing he didn't have much time, he reached for his bow which he had dropped, "Take…take my bow…"
"But, I-"
"You can use…Light Arrows, right? Ocarina-" Young Link paused as a wave of pain shot through his body. "O-Ocarina will need help. He…always needs help…" he added with a small smile. "Toony, the Light Arrows…hurry…"
The Hero of Winds took the bow and Light Arrows with a nod. He knew what he had to do. Young Link had entrusted him with this mission and he would not disappoint. "You're going to be fine. You got that? Just Fine."
"Y-Yeah…"
Toony stood up, ready to face this newest challenge. Young Link was still alive though he didn't know for how long and judging from the sounds of battle, the young Hero was right. Ocarina did need help. "And that's where I come in!"
Ocarina ducked as Ganon slashed overhead, trying to decapitate the Hero and end this fight with one blow. The Hero of Time responded by rolling underneath and attacking the demon's tail once again. This fight had been going on for quite some time and Ganon had to be feeling the hurt by now. If only they could end this quickly…
Ocarina made the mistake of glancing back at his fallen comrades, creating an opening for Ganon to take advantage of. He brought down his blades, intending to take the Hero's life when a Light Arrow pierced him right in the chest.
"That's for Young Link!" yelled Toony angrily. "This is for Twilight!" The small Link fired off another Arrow dealing damage and continuing to halt the demon's actions. "For Brunette! For Knight! For Seasons!"
Once he had overcome the shock of seeing Toony so angry, Ocarina charged up his sword. It was do or die time. The Hero of Time unleashed a Spin Attack against the boss, then another. As Toony fired off another Arrow, Ganon fell back, overwhelmed by the amount of damage these two Links alone could unleash. Had they been holding back this whole time? Were they the ones toying with him? He had been assure of victory! How could this have-
Ganon's eyes widened as he noticed the Hero of Winds charging up his blade. No… This couldn't be…the end… He had come so far…! For it to just end like this-
"And this is for Dark Link and Shadow!"
Toony unleashed his Great Spin Attack, knocking the beast down, and administering the final blow.
Ganondorf Dragmire, The Great King of Evil, Mandrag Ganon, had been defeated.
That's right. That's the end of the chapter. Mob me if you like, I would be an easy target seeing as I'm exhausted from all of this.
Hope you enjoyed…. Thanks for reviews…. And the Four Sword Crew? Yeah, they got a Green Lit.
Till next Chap!